There are few duty cycles for a truck that are more arduous than a 32-tonne tipping operation. These eight-wheel tipper trucks have to work hard all day over mixed terrain, from building sites to muckaway and roadworks to quarries. It is important therefore that an operator chooses a truck that will stand up to this type of punishment year after year without mechanical failure and perform capably both on- and off-road Nobody wants a truck stuck in the mud or with a damaged sump.

Before we consider our view on the best truck for tipper operation, it’s worth mentioning the varying duty cycles for tipping operation. For example, an 8×4 tipper could spend 100% of its time on proper road surfaces or as much as 30% of its working day on slippery, muddy conditions. The type of duty cycle will determine the type of chassis best suited to the operation.

On-Road only Tippers

For example, a ‘road only’ tipper can operate with standard ride height, does not require any additional under-body protection, or added protection for lights. These 32 tonnes, 8×4 chassis are built to a similar specification as any other truck.  Consider the Mercedes range of trucks and you would opt for an Actros model.  Often these trucks will have a ‘K’ in their model number which stands for the German word for tipper – ‘Kipper’. So, bear in mind that you will always be buying a kipper.

On/Off-Road Tippers

Remember, we are not covering heavy-duty, off-road dump trucks and ADT here. These are covered in our sister site www.plantpages.co.uk. There is a growing niche of trucks that have to perform well on the road where they will still spend the majority of their time, but also stand up to life in quarries and building sites. These types of trucks are labelled ‘on-off road’ or ‘construction specials’.  Again, using the Mercedes range as a guide, operators in these segments will be more likely to opt for the ruggedised Arocs model than the Actros as it has extra ground clearance, a larger angle of approach more steel in the bumpers and entry steps that pivot out of harm’s way. Operators even have a choice of a narrow-framed chassis for more extreme off-road applications and a wider one for lighter off-roading.

UK Construction Truck Model Ranges

Examples of these models are the Range C from Renault Trucks (they also have a more extreme version called the Range K). DAF have recently launched the XDC and XFC range whereas previously there was no specific DAF ‘construction’ brand for this model range. AS mentioned earlier, Mercedes have the Arocs, Scania have the ‘XT’ sub brand for their P-Series range whilst Volvo have the FMX version of the FM cab. Like Renault Trucks, Iveco have two ranges – one more heavy duty than the other – the X-Way for lighter off-road duties and the T-Way for more arduous duty cycles.  Only MAN Trucks do not have a specific model range for these types of applications. The company makes plenty of trucks for these applications, but since use model lettering to denote the specific nature of the truck.

So Which is the Best 8×4 Tipper?

Purely looking at the numbers sold and available in the used truck market it is clear that the Scania P Series is the most popular 8×4 tipper truck in the UK. Fellow Swede, Volvo are as popular as the UK’s overall market leader DAF with Mercedes fourth – reflecting their current position in the new truck sales market for this year.

Most of the trucks available fall into the road -only category – Truckpages.co.uk is full of standard P Series Tippers, Volvo FM and DAF CF – outnumbering their ruggedised counterparts by at least four to one.

The Winners – Best UK Tipper Truck

Best Road-Only Tipper 2023: Scania P-Series P410

The numbers don’t lie. The reliability and fuel efficiency of the P-Series makes it a sensible choice for tipper operations. The P410 hits a particular sweet spot and is available in numbers.

Best on/off road Tipper 2023: Volvo FMX420

The Swedes know how to design a truck for arduous conditions, given the climate and nature of the country’s geography. Rock solid reliability, build quality and appearance make this truck a winner in our books.